Thursday, April 03, 2008

Grading the Crimson Tide- Hillman, Hollinger, and Jemison

Senario Hillman- he didn't play much to start the season, but when he did get in the game you could feel the energy pick up. He hustles for every loose ball, stays with his defender, and of course gave us the best dunk highlights of the season. His perimeter shot was dreadful at first, but as he saw the court his shot improved. I really look forward to seeing him on the court next year for 25+ minutes. Grade: B+

Brandon Hollinger- for most of the year he was our best 3 point shooter... until Riley came on like gangbusters the 2nd half of the SEC schedule. We know his phsyical limitations, but he plays decent D considering he's outsized by 5+ inches. He needs to learn that driving to the basket normally results in his shot landing in the 3rd row, but I give him props for trying. The one knock on him is he's not a good PG (you hear that CMG). He's a reliable 2 guard... undersized, but when we need an outside scoring threat next year he'll be our 1st option. Grade: B

Demetrius Jemison- Let's be honest... he was AUful for most of the 1st 20 games. It wasn't due to effort as he's another one that gives it his all, but he simply wasn't scoring and was a liability on D. The last 1/3 of the season saw a totally different player... one that was hitting the 15 foot jumper, rebounding well, and doing a better job defensively in the post. Some people kept saying that DJ wasn't a SEC caliber forward (I'm not even sure what that means)... he proved them wrong to end the year. If Hendrix leaves we'll have to depend on DJ inside. I think he'll be up to the task. Grade: B-